Toy  and Mini Australian Shepherds

Shade Tree Toy Aussies and Mini Aussies
are very intelligent, versatile, and highly trainable.
They are also outstanding loyal companions that
excel at Herding, Tracking or Agility events.

Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd is actually the only herding breed that developed in the United States. Basque sheep herders used with great success the "little blue dogs". Farmers and shepherds were impressed with the performance of these dogs, and began breeding them for their working ability, developing the Australian Shepherd we know of today. Since the original dogs accompanied Basque shepherds from Australia, the dogs were given the name "Australian Shepherd" even though the breed itself was established in the US.

I find it interesting that the Standard Breeders feel so threaten by the Miniature and Toy Australian Shepherd. I grew up on a sheep ranch in Northern Idaho. As a small child I hung out at the sheep camps most of the summers. The Aussies there were not nearly as large as what the Standard Aussie is today. Some of them had prick ears and more refined faces. These dogs came from the Basque families that worked the sheep. Once the breed was discovered by the cattle industry there was a huge push to increase the size of the breed. I belive they breed them to larger breeds to decrease the time it took to make them larger and cause the current, fashion only ear set as the ear set does not make them better or worse stock dogs.

My research has lead me to belive that first people to try to preserve the smaller version started with some of the old stock that was untouched from the original breed that the sheep herders in North America developed.

We show our babies, I can get all 8 in my Trailblazer with no problem. They cost less to feed, they still work, play ball and Frisbee and do evrything the larger version does.

Don't overlook the smaller version of this great breed. Just understand most Aussies are very active and intelligent. Left alone all day with nothing to do day after day makes them do things to entertain themselves you may not appreciate. They are people dogs and require human interaction, lots of exercise and mental stimulation on a regular basis. If you can provide that you will never find a more loyal and loving dog that will help you raise your kids, keep the critters in line or just herd you when ever possible. They are a joy to have around no matter what size you choose to live with you as long as you have enough time for them.

Toy Australian Shepherds and Miniature Australian Shepherds are a scaled down version of the Classic Australian Shepherd.

There is now a movement to have the Toy Aussie and Mini Aussie be recognized as a separate breed. Hence the North American Shepherd Association is taking shape. What ever you call these little dogs, they have retained the working instinct as well as the willing companion attitude that has made them so popular in the full size.

IMPORTANT! Our breeding stock has had a hip and eye exam by our very capable veterinarian. We breed for temperament, structure, great companion pets and some show prospects. We are showing some of our breeding dogs at this time. Check out the Dog Shows page for more information. Showing is a way to guarantee that our dogs are as good as we think they are.

Toy Australian Shepherd and Miniature Australian Shepherd puppies we raise are a part of our family.

Please visit our puppy page for avaiable puppies and dogs.

• Shade Tree Aussies strives for healthy puppies, raised in a clean environment that  are well socialized.
• Shade Tree Aussies are given every age appropriate vaccination and are wormed on a frequent schedule.
• Shade Tree Aussies will not release puppies until they have reached the age of 7 to 8 weeks and have a well puppy exam at our Veterinarian.

As responsible breeders we are well suited to educate and screen potential owners and provide follow-up support after purchase or adoption. Responsible breeders take lifetime responsibility for the animals they have bred.